Sonlight with Multiple Students

Teaching multiple children at different ages can sometimes feel difficult to manage. Sonlight makes it easier by dividing our curriculum into two types of subjects: Couch and Table Subjects.

Unlike a traditional textbook approach, you don’t have to order a separate Sonlight program for each child. You can combine multiple children for Couch Subjects (think History / Bible / Literature and Science), then do skill based Table Subjects (Language Arts, Math, Spelling, and Handwriting) separately with each child, according to ability.

Sonlight helps you navigate teaching multiple children while saving you time, money and frustrations. This time together will help to build rich, life-long family bonds. Learn more in the video below.

Couch Subjects™

Couch Subjects are those you can do sitting on the couch, subjects like Bible, History, Read-Alouds, and Science.

These subjects are all about learning new information. And children in a large range of ages can all learn the same information. Sonlight programs teach using biographies, historical fiction, and other books designed to appeal to both children and adults.

If you've ever read C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, you know that they are not only good for readers who are eleven years old. They are good for children younger than eleven, and older than eleven--even adults.

So if you are homeschooling more than one child, you can use one Sonlight program for multiple children for all Couch Subjects.

In general, one program will work well if your children are within about three years of one another. If you have very young children, or if your children cover a wider range of ages, or if you want further reassurance, please don't hesitate to contact one of our Curriculum Advisors.

Table Subjects™

Table Subjects are those that you probably do at a table or desk, including Language Arts, Spelling, and Math. These subjects are all about building skills.

With Table Subjects, you will want to choose one for each child, according to each child's skill level.

And one exception

There is one more item you need to consider, especially if your children are younger than third grade. If you are using a Sonlight program up to Sonlight D, choose the Readers appropriate for each child's reading ability. (From third grade on, the Readers are integral to the program--no need to choose.)

Get an All-Subjects Package and save 20%.

How to put this together?

Choose a History / Bible / Literature and a Science program, one for all students within about three years of age.
Choose a math program for each student, based on each student's ability. Find placement tests here.
Pick a Language Arts program that fits each student's skill level. Besides the graded programs, you might also need:
- Handwriting
- Spelling (built-in K-2, add for students in Grade 3-5)
- Readers (for students in Grades K-2)

We've made this process simple for you with SmoothCourse™. We'll walk you through each step of the process and help you add the materials you need when you need them.

Get started now